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Release: Simon Mann: Four Directions EP

4/17/2020

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​After an introspective hiatus, Analog Cabin is back with a new release from label affiliate Simon Mann.

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Simon Mann

The Four Directions EP manages to strike a fine balance between the home listening experience and solid club material.Four solid cuts showcase his trademark textural detail while exploring deep synthetic dub techno alongside breakbeat electronica and concrete dance-floor rhythms.
Interview
Hi Simon, Thanks for taking the time to chat. What a great E.P. Great to have you represented on the label.

Hi, Thank you! I’m super excited to have the opportunity to release music with Analog Cabin. And I love supporting local labels so it’s great to be repping with a Sydney crew.

I know a lot of Analog Cabin fans are particularly interested in the production process so let’s talk shop for a bit.

The first thing that jumps out at me in Cathartic Rhythmia is the solid kick drum playing against the rhythmic side stick pattern. The constant tick tock of this rhythm is contrasted by sparser elements such as rich gongs and swelling pads. Talk us through your approach to this track, was there an inspiration behind it?

I guess with Cathartic Rhythmia I wanted to break up the 4/4 pattern a bit and play with polyrhythms. The side stick you mention is the MFB Kraftzwerg being CV sequenced by the Analog 4’s arpeggio. From what I recall I used a weird timing on a few instruments so the percussion moves around over the length of the track. The overall vibe I was going for started with the pads, which are the Minilogue, which I played live. I wanted the laid back ambient sounds juxtaposed against a heavy but organic beat to get a sort of spacey new age feel. I find a lot of inspiration in the space and ambience of this track.

The title track Four Directions is a return to classic four on the floor complete with jacking hats, sci-fi blips and bleeps underpinned by a classic steady rising chord progression. When the melodic toy piano type riff kicks in midway through it has an almost eerie quality overplayed over the top of the filtered vocals. It is a really builder of a tune. Did you envisage this as more of a dance floor number when you wrote it? What kind of sound sources where you using on this one?

Four Directions is a homage to House music. It’s got that Detriot-ish lead chord progression, vocals, albeit disembodied, and the scratching, which I’ve always felts appropriate to deep soulful house. And what is a House track without a piano? I'm not sure I ever write music for a dance floor. Surely different vibes would be more suited to dancing but I generally frame my production around a sound rather than a purpose. As far as sounds go, the chord progression is the Korg Miniologue, The building acid line is a Roland TB-03. The synthesized scratching, bassline and toy piano are the Analog 4. The percussion and beats are the TR-8 and Drumbrute. Finally the sample is Ekhart Tolle talking about the nature of addiction, though it’s heavily processed.

Ordinary Life is another deep and steady offering. Really dubby and probably the deepest cut on the E.P. You have put out a few dubby numbers in your time. Compared to your older stuff, how has your sound evolved? Do you find yourself revisiting certain production techniques in the studio? How do you keep your production process feeling fresh?

Regarding my dubby explorations, I guess because Dub Techno is all about the delays and reverb tails, I am always trying to use a different reverb or delay technique to get a more spacious atmosphere. It’s very easy to find one dub technique and stick to it, which was a bad habit I’ve had in the past. Ordinary Life has 3 different chord patterns playing at different times, they each have a common delay and reverb chain, then each channel has a unique effects chain again. I’m using unsynced LFO’s linked to cutoff frequencies and reverb tails to change the patterns over time. I like evolving movement in my tracks and in the past, have relied on a single loop, whereas now I generally use a lot of loops, more sparsely. My older stuff was very linear, I find these days I like messing with trigger probability and layering odd length patterns to give my programs an unexpected/random element.

The name Ordinary Life is there meaning behind that? Would it be safe to say your music transports you to another place and gives you an escape from daily life? Tell me about the feelings you get when you produce?

I called the track Ordinary Life because the original sample I’ve used was Terrence McKenna talking about how his upbringing had been such an ordinary life. Anyone who knows Terence’s work will know it’s far from ordinary. I do use my music as an escape from normal life, both when I make music and listen back to it. I live a pretty normal life, married with kids, in suburbia. I find my music is so far removed from that life, I can’t help but travel somewhere else when I make it. Electronic music and the places it gets played is so far removed from my ordinary life, it’s actually a blessing to be able to have my feet in two worlds, one where the love of a family is so nurturing and one where escapism, freedom and creative expression are the sustenance I need in both worlds. I guess you could say that making music and being creative fuels my ordinary life.

Finally, Primal Space. A really percussive groove with a cheeky swing to it. It has a low end that almost growls at you like an animal. I really like it. And the acid squelches and cinematic string elements really bring you into the environment. Talk us through your process for this one. Are you using the same instruments through the E.P.? Or do you change it up with each track?

That low end growl you mention is the ‘primal’, the strings and pads are the ‘space’ Primal Space is all about the minimalism for me. Sparse elements and minimal beats, the swing and the acid, the atmosphere, this is pretty much was minimal house music means to me, but I wanted a bit of a darker twist so there’s that tribal element too.

Thanks for the interesting questions and of course the release on Analog Cabin, I can’t wait to share the music and the label. It’s a release I have been looking forward to for a long time, so thank you.


Find more from Simon on via Facebook and Soundcloud
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Free | Analog Cabin : Tokyo Sing Song : 7th Feb

2/7/2020

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Analog Cabin are excited to announce a FREE event on 7th February within the confines of Tokyo Sing Song in Newtown. The night will feature an array of talent from the Analog Cabin roster.
Expect a diverse dance floor soundtrack curated by some of Sydney’s finest selectors.
The whole crew will of course be your spirit guides bringing you tunes from another time and another dimension.
Joining them we have the illest humandroid this side of the crab nebula - Illbot bringing the intergalactic house and techno future to your ears.
Alongside all-round legend, Mike Witcombe after returning from a few shows in NZ showcasing his driving style.
Dr.Ox : A new alias from a known associate, the good doctor explores exotic sounds and rhythms. If it’s a little bit off kilter and has a vibe, it’s on the platter.
Felix Warmuth : Felix has been twisting minds and nodding heads with his machine driven sounds since the late 90's. Felix’s diverse and eclectic style will take your mind on a journey and give your feet a work out.
Warm up tunes provided by Angelika
Friendly people + People friendly . You know the deal
​Facebook Event
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Firewater Long Weekend Day/Night Dance | Bushfire Fundraiser

1/26/2020

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We would like to acknowledge that this event happens on stolen land, and wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation and their Elders past, present, and emerging.
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Analog Cabin & High Side present
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Firewater Long Weekend Day/Night Dance
BYO Warehouse / Rooftop 3PM - Late
All profits go towards Bushfire Relief with The First Nations Communities fund and WIRES Wildlife rescue
$10 presale via HUMANTIX and $15 on the door
Analog Cabin & High Side would like to acknowledge that this event, and all of the work that we undertake as a collective, takes place on stolen land. We wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation and their Elders past, present, and emerging.
Come early to enjoy afternoon rooftop party vibes which will feature guests DJ Goanna (SHED), Nadia Struiwigh (NL), Vini Martins (BR) & Jac Frier along with an array of talent from the Analog Cabin roster.
Expect a diverse dance floor soundtrack curated by some of our favourite selectors over two levels with a lush rooftop in Inner City Sydney and an indoor chill out space for those that want to escape the heat.
Your spirit guides bringing you tunes from another time and another dimension. Serving up Techno, House, Afrobeat, Reggae and Outer-national heat to the dance floors.
Nadia Struiwigh (NL) (CPU / Mord)
Vini Martins (BRAZIL)
DJ Goanna (SHED)
Mike Witcombe
Jac Frier
Mystico
Dr.OX
Illbot
Angelika
BYO
$10 presale via HUMANTIX and $15 on the door
Address will be sent to ticket holders at 1pm on the day of the event
Direct donations can be made to to the following GoFundMe campaign https://au.gofundme.com/.../fire-relief-fund-for-first... and WIRES Wildlife rescue: https://www.wires.org.au/donate/emergency-fund
Big thank-you...
to getitmade.com.au for supplying the sound systems.
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A RECENT CONVERSATION WITH RED BULL MUSIC

9/5/2017

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.It was a pleasure speaking to Red Bull Music about what makes us at Analog Cabin and other analogue enthusiasts and audiophiles tick.

Thanks for the support. If you can touch it and it makes a noise we are all about it. Read more about it here.
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THE FORMANT : A SPACE BETWEEN INTERVIEW

6/24/2017

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The Formant recently interviewed me about the creative process behind the Rainflow EP.
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Rainflow is a change in approach for DROX, one that sees him move away from the contrapuntal raw machine music made for dancing we’ve come to know from the Australian producer and step into ideas of atmosphere and an aural feeling. “There’s definitely that feel — well for me anyway — of that idea of background noise and things in the distance which is what I was trying to convey,“ explains Adrian. It comes together through four magnificent tracks that progress with the ease of a Sunday morning, enveloped in a wispy, fragile atmosphere that crunch just beneath the surface. Like the sound of rain filling every moment of silence, Rainflow bounds with a distant noise, filling in the gaps between the beats as drum machines and synthesisers pulse with repetition like a mantra.

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RELEASE - DROX - RAINFLOW EP

6/23/2017

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The fourth release on the Analog Cabin label is out today which is also my first solo EP for the label.

These tracks were inspired by one recent rainy winters day.
© Analog Cabin Records 2017
Tracks written, produced & mastered
at Studio B & Analog Cabin recording studio

Image Credit : Stephen White

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TRENCH BUSH PARTY

3/15/2017

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This weekend we go bush with the whole Cabin crew representing Felix Warmuth, Mike Witcombe, Robert Erskine (Illbot) & Myself (Drox) at Trench goes DooF w/ Nihad Tule (Sloboda/Sweden)
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Loads of local talent playing along with Nihad Tule headlining. It's going to be a great extended weekend.
See below for set times. 
I will be donning the headphones from 11.00 -13.00 Saturday morning for an ambient and dub techno excursion.

See you on the dancefloor!

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RELEASE - Nude Dude - Crab Dance EP

3/9/2017

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The third release on the Analog Cabin label is from the mysterious Nude Dude with the Crab Dance EP.

Who is the nude dude, and why is he nude?
We are not sure but whoever it is makes some deep dance floor material.
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Analog Cabin Feature in AUDIO TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

2/6/2017

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A Nice little feature on the history of Analog Cabin in this months Audio Technology Magazine
I know it's a bit hard to read so can download a pdf of the article here..
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Analog Cabin Take over the TIT 

1/24/2017

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ANALOG CABIN Bearded Tit take over - For lovers of machines
COme and enjoy an afternoon and evening of record selections and live electronic performance by your friends from the Analog Cabin.
DJ sets from myself Drox, Mike Witcombe, Felix Warmuth & Rob Erskine (aka Illbot) + live electronic experimentations.

Come relax in the beautiful environs that is the Bearded Tit and have your earballs massaged by sounds from far and wide.

Event Listing

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RELEASE - Analog Cabin Various Artists: Impressions 01

1/3/2017

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 We are very excited to present the first release of many on our new Analog Cabin record label.

This release includes tracks from all of the team at the Analog Cabin Recording Studio - Mike Witcombe,
Felix Warmuth, Illbot (Rob Erskine) and myself (Drox) Adrian Burns
If you buy the new Analog Cabin t-shirt you also receive the release for free.
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ELECTROFRINGE 16: ANALOG CABIN - ROOFTOP SHOWCASE

10/19/2016

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As part of the 2016 Electrofringe program Analog Cabin will be showcasing an afternoon of all original music and live electronic production on the rooftop of 107 Projects to celebrate the launch of the Analog Cabin Record label.

Collectively we have been very busy releasing on a slew of labels in 2016 alone, along with recording and engineering other artists in the Analog Cabin studio.s

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DJ sets from Adrian Burns (Drox), Mike Witcombe, Felix Warmuth & Rob Erskine (aka Illbot) All original productions and unreleased projects will be the sound track over the course of the afternoon.

Later on in the evening see a rare improvised live set from all four of us utlising a mix of hardware and software which may include two laptops, Ableton link Allen & Heath Zed R16 mixer lots of XOX and a bunch of synths.

Electrofringe’s annual flagship event EF16 features a one-day showcase of experimental work and performance, with a second day of workshops and demonstrations.

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Entry is by donation, vibes will be high & excellent sound will be provided by Buzz Speaker Hire Sydney with a great location for a party. COme along and support the local Sydney experimental music scene.

Please do join us for a few drinks, a boogie and catch up.

If you would like to donate towards the running costs of Electrofringe 16 you can do so via this link.


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ARTICLE IN SYN MAG ANALOG CABIN TRUS'ME FEATURE

10/14/2016

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We are very happy that the studio and a project we were very happy to be a part of is featured in in depth interview on the recording process at Analog Cabin for Trus'me's new album 'Planet 4'  in SynMag - Das Synthesizer-Magazin.

The release is out now on Prime Numbers and the magazine is available in Germany.

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Analogue Underground & Drum machine masterclass

10/10/2016

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This is a great opportunity for producers based in Sydney that want to learn more about the Roland TR-8 or even check it out for the first time..

Each month we take a glimpse of one product (this month will be the ROLAND TR-8 Drum machine) with a 1hr intermediate class followed by a nice selection of talented Sydney producers where we will hear their live electronic instruments put to use. Each month focuses on new equipment and we will choose different upcoming artists.

This night is about acknowledging the power that these instruments can have when combined with an amazing sound system and musicians. Support Analog Undergrounds growth and be there for the birth of a new community gathering of like minded creative people who appreciate music.

9-10PM TR-8 Masterclass with David Whitehead (ROLAND)
10-2AM Live performances with:
Kid Fiction
Simon Mann (Buxton/ETUI)
Drox (Analog Cabin)
Felix Warmuth (Analog Cabin)(DJ/LIVE HYBRID SET).

$10 9-10PM - Master class (GO PRO setup with projection)
$5 AFTER 10PM - Live performances


Jam Gallery   195 Oxford Street, Bondi

RSVP
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Watch Lucy Cliché perform live in the Analog Cabin

9/6/2016

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3D VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE ANALOG CABIN STUDIO

8/3/2016

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THE SPIRAL OPENING PARTY

6/8/2016

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Felix has been invited to play a set on the SPIRAL tomorrow night.
Five turntables play samples on an endless loop, creating a sonic chaos that is simultaneously cut to vinyl.
There might be some synth / drum machine action in there too. Come join the party!
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The Spiral will transform Carriageworks into an experimental sound recording studio and performance space. Visitors can manipulate looping beats and electronic sounds to record tracks on a vinyl-cutting machine.

The person who cuts the record becomes the main attraction, while people can observe the entire process from the seats that form a ring-like area called “The Spiral.”
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 Trus'me's New LP is an Analog Techno Concept Album 

3/16/2016

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Around about this time last year we had the pleasure of recording Trus'me's forthcoming album, 'Planet 4' at the Analog Cabin Studio. Here's a little insight behind the inspiration for the album..

http://www.stampthewax.com/…/10-things-that-inspired-trusm…/

Analog Cabin, Sydney

Here I could submerge myself in a new alien environment, with engineers I had not previously worked with. The array of new synths and a new methodologies, helped to create something progressive and exciting to work with. I feel that comes across in the LP by the energy in the arrangements and production.

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End the lockouts. Put down your guns and your badge

2/10/2016

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A gift from Screechy Dan and the Inner West Reggae Disco Crew for the city of Sydney.
End the lockouts. Put down your guns and your badge.
Recorded at Analog Cabin!
Big Up Inner West Reggae Disco Machine
#
casinomike

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BASS PATROL 3 : A BOOGERTRON & ANALOG CABIN THROWDOWN

7/8/2015

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This Saturday Analog Cabin & Boogertron bring you Bass Patrol 3
We are Back!
After the success of the last party and constant requests of reliving it once more we thought another round is in order.

Two rooms of goodness for your earholes in a new warehouse space.
Blaze is a proper old school Hip Hop DJ & BBoy from the 80's. He published the very first Hip Hop and Graffiti focused magazine in the world Vapourz in 1988 and also was involved in hosting the Panic Zone series of parties from 2003 - 2005 along with supporting almost every international Hip Hop act touring in the 90's - 2000's.
We are very excited to have locked in Blaze for a rare set in Sydney in Electro & Miami Bass mode.
8 till late
$15 entry + booking fee and BYO venue will be revealed on the night but is in the inner west for those that wanted to confirm the area.
Also we are offering pre sale tickets via the link below.There will be very few tickets at the door and we don't want anyone who really wants to attend to miss out.
https://buytickets.to/basspatrol

Lineup
Blaze (Panic Zone)
Drox (Analog Cabin)
Typhonic (Databass, Booty Call, Philthtrax)
RAINE SUPREME
Toobs (Boogertron)
Flurrd
Illbot (Analog Cabin)

with Mr Claude Money (Boogertron) just added.
https://www.theticketfairy.com/eve…/bass-patrol-3-11jul2015/

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    A mainstay of Sydney's techno and electro scene for more than twenty years, Drox has earned the respect and love of fans and has carved out an imposing yet super humble etching on the local scene.

    Drox’s DJing style can be described as heavily influenced by electro, raw machine music, industrial and bass music in all its many forms. His sound embodies a spontaneous charm that nods to early 90s Detroit machine music, rich IDM sounds, and dystopian sci-fi tones.

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    In 2023 Drox has launched a new vinyl label: Delphic Iris in collaboration with Berlin based 16 Faces, as an outlet for their productions launched in both Berlin, London and Sydney. 
    Instagram | msha.ke

    His intelligent approach has led to him playing at some of Sydney and Australia's most well-respected clubs/events, both as a headliner and as a support act for international artists such as Hieroglyphic Being, Buzz Kull, Assembler Code and Reptant among others.

    He has also received international recognition, Playing in Berlin and London along with providing mixes for Serotonin Records in New York, Dark Science Electro in Colorado, Hjärngymnastik in Sweden, and Cyber Domain in the UK/Germany.

    Other stops on his musical travels have included Melbourne, Brisbane, and a livestream for The Advent’s techno-club.net virtual club.

    Drox is an accomplished producer, his tracks have earned praise from Vince Watson, Iron Curtis, DJ Bone and Neville Watson for his productions along with with releases on Datadisk, Natural Expressions, Nightime Drama, Crobot Muzik and his Analog Cabin label among others.

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    He has been invited to lecture on at the Australian Institute of Music and the Analog Cabin recording studio has been featured in Audio Technology Magazine, Red Bull and the German-language SynMag synthesizer magazine.

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